The Power of Addiction and The Addiction of Power: Gabor Maté at TEDxRio+20
Canadian physician Gabor Maté is a specialist in terminal illnesses, chemical dependents, and HIV positive patients. Dr. Maté is a renowned author of books and columnist known for his knowledge about attention deficit disorder, stress, chronic illness and parental relations. His theme at TEDxRio+20 was addiction -- from drugs to power. From the lack of love to the desire to escape oneself, from susceptibility of the being to interior power -- nothing escapes. And he risks a generic and generous prescription: "Find your nature and be nice to yourself."
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
So glad he included all addictions. People who look down on a drug addict need to look at what they are using to escape pain.
Yes 🙌
What they are using to cope with abuse. What they are using to cope with something indescribable and almost unbeatable.
It's kind of hard not to look down on the drug addict when their actions have created a pathway of damage and you're the one left to pick up the pieces.
@@Anon99anon ...still the Dr says how he look at the reasons why they continue their addictions and what benefits they are getting from it despite all of this perceived damage. Nothing to do with humans is so straight-forward, especially things like addiction and human actions
@@Anon99anon you should read up on addiction. There's a lot of literature out there.
39 days sober. This is the most difficult fight of my life. Not the fight of wanting to use, but fighting to find myself and seeing the destruction I left behind.
Keep fighting brother, you shine brighter than stars
Congratulations ! Me 2 months and 11 days :) I lost 10 years of my life in C. Noboby will give me those years back but I'm learning to forgive myself everyday.... Ayahuasca in Peru helped me a lot. And before that therapy. Now I'm Bali to pursue my healing process....
You got this, you can do hard things. If by chance you fall, try, try again. You’re the little engine that could. (Childhood book) You’re much stronger, braver wiser and more loved than you know, now it’s time to take care of yourself for once. You took the first step in admitting it, the second step in withdrawing physically, so now the mental part. That part is also very difficult because I feel like it’s never ending even after 11 years, so you have to fight for it daily. It does get easier though, but life in general is a trigger. Been there, done that and still fighting for it 11 years later praise God! Addiction runs in my entire family. I’ve lost two siblings, an ex and dear friends already. Thank you for speaking up, because that takes so much courage in such a judgmental world. I still feel like docs and others look down on me because of it, and that’s so unfair, but I’m actually okay with their ignorance because I’m proud of myself. I am praying for you and I’m grateful you’re seeking more information about it. It helps tremendously to have support, so you have mine.
27 days sober for me. We're getting our lives back.
@@davidhperry keep going man. 76 days for me now. Find local AA meetings, they help massively
The single most highly intelligent, compassionate addiction specialist I've ever come across
Very sweet said
Thanks that was very nice of u
I second that. Well said.
Have you read any books by Thomas Szasz? He explains a lot too!
Yes everyone needs help
“People in power are very often some of the emptiest people in the world, so don’t look to them for change” Well put! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Gábor is so kind, caring and loving. Me, not so much, I guess. I’ve been saying for quite some time that the world is being run by psychopaths. Who else would want that job? I’m becoming a cynic in my old age.
@@shirleyclemmer3299 Sociopaths perhaps. Add narcissism to the mix as well! Psychopaths have no sense of self-preservation.
People in power can change the world. Look at all these great "men ... look at the wars... the revolutions....
Absolutely Spot on! This gentleman is a visionary mind.
Yeah, Elon Musk certainly is empty.
I'm over 40 months clean from drugs and alcohol and this man hits the nail directly on the head. I highly recommend reading his books.
Congratulations! You are worth it!
Well done. So glad for you.
Yes he did! I have a month as of today actually can’t wait till I can say I have as many months as you but thanks to you I now know I have to add some new books to my shelf. Thank you. Would love to maybe talk recovery with you some time if you’re interested. Have a blessed and beautiful day to you and all. Happy Days.
God job! I hope you are still off..
✌❤
"if they don't want me... at least they're going to need me." wow. powerful.
The co-dependent's creed.
The pain in it is depressing.
my father and my half sister
Yesss
Gabor, find it within yourself to understand the historical predicament that was the root of your trauma. When your fellow Ashkenazi did harm he did wrong. Why would he become such a megalomaniac? I think another Jewish man "Benjamin Freedman" may be able to join a few of those dots. Let's seek understanding and become a proper human family.
Without finding this man I would not be on day 4 of sobriety. I will never look at people's addiction the same. EVER.
I wish you all the best.
Good on you, I recommend reading his book, in the realm of hungry ghosts. He really opened my eyes. All the very best.
:)
Im just over 500 days and its because I've come to understand what addict is. This helped me a lot too. Congratulations and keep going odaat
Best to you my dear. I’m on one year and it just keeps getting better. ♥️🙏🏻😊
Dr. Gabor Maté is a world treasure. His talk is filled with compassion and wisdom.
I have his book the Realm of Hungary Ghosts.
This is the right comment 👍
I'm an addict in crisis right now and I've watched this 3 times now. It's the best talk on addiction I've heard and it brought me some peace today. Thank you for that.
I to am in crisis right now and I'm to old for this!! I'm tired of it but I can't stop..... I'm isolated from everything and everyone. I am going through the most difficult time of my life right now. All he has said is true but it doesn't change anything for me. I need help getting help. Thank you for letting me express my thoughts and feeling.
@@celinamelendez8545 So sorry to hear of your pain. Try walking outside and find one person to smile at. If they don’t smile back, they are probably in more pain than you right now. If they do smile back, then you will know you have power to help someone else. Therefore, you have power to help yourself. Then force yourself to go to you local library or food pantry and say to someone, “can you direct me to a crisis center?!!!!”
Me to. How you doing? I hope this is the start of the change for me
@@celinamelendez8545 try going to a meeting. People are very welcoming and can point you in the right direction. If you don’t like the meeting you go to, go to a different one until you find one you like. I have 5.5 years clean now and it was really hard. I was also in crisis at the time. But I want you to know it does get easier, you just have to take that’s step to ask for help and follow what people tell you. They’ve been where you are. ❤
💓💓@kimberley virgint your not alone sis 🌷
7 and a half years later, and this is still one of the most powerful talks I have heard.
Well stated
Have you watched Dr Mate and Russell Brand's podcast? If not, I highly suggest👍
@@fabisobe thanks for the suggestion. I'll check them out now.
Totally agree with you!
I’m starting my journey now I’m owning up
In 2001 I was a PhD student writing my dissertation on ADHD in children. I contacted Dr. Mate and he spent a good part of an afternoon with me talking about my work and his perspctive regarding ADHD. He was so generous with his time, and incredibly helpful!
What was his perspective?
@@MR-kc2re it’s a coping mechanism from childhood that you would tune out trauma
Wow I believe that I was abused physically for 26 years and a addict for 14 years and I have ADHD and I can believe it's a coping mechanism within myself absolutely amazing
ADHD I call it after death disorder lol ask God what scziophrinia is .. a persons brain is traumatized by unspeakable things . However there is help and healing. Yeah like k kups. Is ruining the environment. Preserve …. Teach proper family balancing family planning. We have to much no reason for junk. Jesus blood healed and that’s why he was killed. Because of money greed power land . I want to thank God now for everything. Because I know the universe is bigger than we know. I’m glad for my journey because he knew no matter what I’m human making human mistakes but I have a knowing., I’m a late bloomer. Yes the force is strong in my family. It has to be this way. Not everyone is on same level. Thank you! Terrie
Thank you for acknowledging the root cause of the problems we face as Indigenous people fighting to retain our culture. It really means a lot hearing an expert such as Gabor Maté validate our reality. Tēnā rawa atu koe.
I am so disappointed in what my ancestors did to people like you. I stand with you.
It kills me that people like this don't have a louder voice or bigger platforms.
people run on bigger platforms are empty inside so they don't want this. it's too revealing and wise.
Who wants, will listen to him. Who looks for his philosophy will find him :)
LET'S JUST KEEP TELLING THOSE WE KNOW
It is happening as we speak.
ish He and other like him are reaching ALL that are READY to recieve the TRUTH. TRUST THE PROCESS HOTEP
"Nothing records the effects of a sad life as graphically as the human body." -A Legend
Truth!
And that legend is called Naguib Mahfouz.
@@titan3854 Thank You
How profound is that
Beautifully said
This made me cry. Absolutely spot on. Today I celebrate 4 years sober. Very grateful for this amazing talk. Thank you 😁🙏
Congratulations!!
Such encouragement!
Wow... that's awesome.. What did you do to heal?
@@ruthtavarez8302 went to AA 💖 saved my life 😇🙏
Congratulations sister ❤ I am 4 years sober but I'm struggling again so that is why I'm watching this
I am a physician. I am also a compulsive overeater in recovery and a workaholic. Dr. Gabor Mate’s approach has helped me on my inside and the outside. A moment of compassion for a patient can change their whole life. I feel it and I see it in my work. In fact, I chose my specialty of Emergency Medicine to give to the most vulnerable in their crucial times of need. Healing can be shared and can happen in a moment.
Amen to your insight.
Thank you thank you for seeing us as humans with pain and loneliness not just a worthless bum cause 99 percent of people in the medical field that I’ve come across over the last 30 years, I’ve had over 15 broken bones from athletics, were the worst and most judgmental, detrimental to my mental health humans that I’ve ever had to deal with. And what do you do when the Care doesn’t Care? You go back into the darkness..maybe you make it out, most likely not.. God Bless and thank you for researching these things, that is Angel like, knowing how to show compassion and empathy is the most powerful because so many in the medical field don’t and it shows 🙏🏻
@@CutmeMick Sadly, the years-long hazing ritual that is medical training contributes to that lack of kindness and empathy, because the medical students and residents are trained to ignore and be unkind to their own needs for sleep, proper food, a life outside work.
“And yet we judge the drug addict because we actually see that they are just like us and we don’t like that. So we say, “You are different from us, you are worse than we are.”
My heart😢
The story of my life 😔
Beautifuly, accurately, and kindly articulated.
There is a truth to what you say! I noticed today that a great number of people are super addicted to that infernal phone! Sad! I threw my phone away6 yrs ago, liberating! I have made up a new word ,,,Pheroin addicts' what that means is that people are addicted to their infernal phones.
@bill Bloggs of course, addicts have to take responsibility for their own actions just like everyone else. but this video is about what causes addiction in the first place. and whilst locking up the addicts who commit crimes addresses their criminal behaviour, it does nothing to address the causes of addiction.
This is one of the most powerful speeches I've ever listened to. Without any tricks, any flair or any glamorization. Just a small man speaking in the simple manner about the great truth from the great heart. Thank you so much for posting it. "Find a lamp inside yourself, be a lamp unto yourselves, find a light within." It made me cry.
+Montanee jo It is indeed. He explained exactly what I craved to understand for a long time.
+Montanee jo - This is indeed the most honest and resonating speeches I've ever heard also; hands down my favorite from TED Talks.
+Obiarshi link?
+Montanee jo TRUTH.
Jo Montanee I spent 17 years in active addiction, and during those years my addiction was only halted when I was in prison. usually, I went straight to score almost as soon as I walked out of the gate, despite being free from active addiction and physical dependence. the mentality of an addict is undecipherable to non-addicts, and I've rarely heard anyone articulate the intricacies and nuances of addiction (and its' causes) EVER. However, Mr Matê is incredibly astute regarding this topic and is so articulate in his explanations that I can honestly say I've been stunned into silence by the raw power within his words. he summarised the feelings and thoughts I had during my own addiction, and did so in such an eloquent and articulate manner that I am speechless. watching this footage here, I've finally found some answers which I have sought from the very moment I realised I had become physically dependent on, addicted, to Heroin. Explanations like the ones Mr Matê gives here are fundamental to recovery. 'We' [addicts] all seek knowledge on our behaviours and mentalities so that we can adapt our thinking and behavioural tendencies in such a way that we can begin to overcome the obsessions and compulsions which form the nucleus of our addictions. Thank you for posting this, and if anyone is interested in this field, then personally I don't think you could go wrong if you accessed Gabör Matê's extensive research on all aspects of addiction.
Gabor you have saved my life. Never have i been able to get over the shame and guilt of having an addiction. You have allowed me to feel human again.With this, being ADHD, I have always felt so much frustration, shame, and disappointment in myself for always frustrating the people around me. I thought I was just a bad person who didn't care enough to remember to shut the cabinet, lock the door, or to start a load of laundry my wife asked me to start. You took 1000 pound weights off my shoulder. I am not a bad person, I am just the who i am, for good or bad.
As an addict myself... I wish you all the strength my brother!
Now shut the door. It's a simple thing. Plus you're letting the heat out, we're not heating the whole city. 😁 (said my dad)
Same ADD problems here, with addiction. I care too much and get mad at myself for having groceries that have gone bad. I was looking for my keys and apparently left them in my front door. It's exhausting isn't it? I hope you found a way to get some help.
My son was addicted and died by suicide at the young age of 27. If only he had the right support. Everything I tried pushed him further away. He wasn’t abused but my husband died when he was 14 and our family was never the same. I wish he had a compassionate doctor like you, he’d still be here. 💔
💔
Doctors need to work from the patient needs rather than fit them into the confines of their books.
💫🙏🏼
@@denise1932yes but it’s very hard, are you perfect at your job? Even when it gets difficult? We expect doctors to be stoic and rational all the time, but they are human just the same.
@andrewmichieli1760 no I am far from perfect in any way. However, I do have an open mind and am willing to learn more than I am taught. We learn in many different ways. Not just from textbooks, but from experiences, observations, talking with others, trial and error. Even from our mistakes, we learn, if we choose to see not everything always goes as expected. There are many variables from person to person to account for. I'm only suggesting that people take into consideration the uniqueness of each of us in trying to solve problems instead of relying on quick fixes. But many just don't care to spend the time needed to take it to the next level. We as a people on the whole, have seemingly become, lazy. Very few put forth any more effort than is expected . Sad, but it is true.
This man is a Lighthouse. He doesn't just shine for himself but for others also
Dr. Matés wisdom should be taught in every school in the world.
How do you teach a child your parents don't want you.
Governments wouldnt like that. They love addicted people.
@@ALEN1ful Imagine the entire structure that depends and thrives on dis ease collapsing.. nope because when there is blood on the streets there is money to be made.
Indeed
You can’t teach wisdom that’s something that’s earned
Psychedelic is the answer to most severe anxiety and depression...The use of magic mushrooms completely helps one get over depression and makes you feel like yourself...I used antidepressants for some years but it only made me feel like a zombie but with immediate use of mushroom 🍄 in few months I feel like I'm living a whole new Life.
I've been having this constant, unbearable anxiety because of university stress..not until I met Myco.spore.. he really helped me
I'm glad myco.spore is mentioned... I've been having situational depression for about 4 yrs plus now but I had to hit him up last week and he really gave me some of his product..they work like magic.
Psychedelics saved me from years of uncontrollable depression, anxiety and illicit pill addiction.imagine carrving heavy chains for over a decade and then all of a sudden that burden is gone.Believe it or not in a couple years they'll be all over for treatment of mental health related issues
@@andersonjemma not surprised u mentioned his product are nice...and pure..
How do I find him?
Even in sobriety, I haven’t been released from addiction. Without healing of the heart and soul, addiction will simply take a new form. The “healing” of the mind alone will never be sufficient. Thank you Dr. Mate.🙏🌹🦋
The big question is how to do what u wrote
@@Mmcermes exactly
Watched hundreds of TED and never seen people applauding just in the middle of the speech and a final standing ovation... 100% deserved, Great speech!
"If you are kinder to your self, you will be kinder to other people" 💯
I just got a new addiction. Listening to this guy! He is so wise. Can’t wait to watch more videos with him.
I found this while searching for peace while having an addicted brother. Thank you.
Hang in there man. Your brother got a huge challenge, but he got you by his side, hope he appreciates that cuz he's lucky to have you! As an addict myself, I wish I had some1 who cared about me like that. Fighting myself has proven to be the hardest challenge ever
“ I am not afraid of dying, Am afraid of living”. Most powerful and perhaps the saddest statement ever.
Yes, there was an attempted suicide at the age of 26. Come a long way since but it was not an easy journey. IT IS POSSIBLE.
Marcus Aurelius said it first, that people fear living more than dying.
@@Isadorka1 I wish you all the best.
I remember, over 20 years ago, in my early thirties, I was talking to a man I know, and I told him the same. Now, at 56, and addicted to hard drugs due to choices I made in my mid thirties, I a scared of living and dying. I force myself to be positive, I want someone who I believe, to say "It will all be ok", however, we sometimes need information when we seek help for other problems, like the ones I have, because of the choices I made, and, while they were just being honest, telling me how it is, they painted a grim picture.
@@kr1221E I have made different kinds of bad decisions about my life. It's easy, when society gives you a not-so-nice lable, to believe that's all you are. But something someone once told me is popping up now: "Don't take statistics personally."
*I discovered Gabor Mate today, 29th July 2019. The people who made internet, many years back; Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn in the 1970s maybe never thought that one day a random 25 years old guy from Bangladesh would be this grateful to them and all.* And, thank you TEDx Talks too! Thank you KZhead algorithm. Thank you all, everybody...
You're a good man Asif. I wish you well!
💖💖
Asif, you are born and you certainly grew up in the same time as internet invades the lifes in Bangladesh. But, as far as i can see, you use it as a mean of learning and not a substitute of emptyness of relationship ( facebook, twitter). Internet is a gold mine, a library in your house, a fantastic tools to learn everything you want. And you catch that. Thanks
My husband died of an overdose. He was so beautiful. He was so incredibly smart and strong and so talented. He could do anything. He wanted to please everyone and help everyone. He lost his battle. It hurts me so so much. I tried to help him and nothing worked. He was so attentive, he wanted my attention so much. He would do everything to make me happy. When he didn't have his drugs or alcohol he was a different person. When we first got together I had no idea he had any addictions. Slowly he let me see who he really was. I know someone abused him when he was a child and he couldn't say it out loud. I know he was physically abused by his father. He was emotionally abused too. It's extremely sad. It's extremely hard to deal with.
I hope you have the motivation to share all the experiences about your husband on people that are needing help on this kind of situations, maybe the life is not random as we think and this is a wisdom message that you can share on people that suffered this.
@@juancastrofranco9209 I appreciate your comment. I really don't know what to say other than, I know something inside him hurt so much he had to drown it with pills and alcohol. It was horrible to watch.
@@cynthrlly4ever, Try to find an answer is so courageous, your husband should be proud of you, and I can imagine he loves you so much, I send you a hug and I hope the pain heals.
I'm so sorry for your pain and loss.
@sundayoliver3147 thank you. It still hurts so much. I'm still also single. I don't go anywhere and meet new people. I still love him beyond words. Thank you.
For 12 years I've been abusing and misusing drugs and this gave ne closure
I just found this on KZhead purely by accident. It's explained so much about the way my life has evolved. I'm 72 with many physical problems. Most have been there all my life. Spent far too long in hospital as a child without emotional support. Life has been a mess emotionally. Made lots of mistakes. Understand better how that has made me what I am. Definitely an addict to a number of things. Despite life in general I hope I have a year or two to make a change .
You can do it!
U are amazing and u are great dont forget that. No matter how Old are u, amazing thing will happen to u. Im really sorry for all the pain that u endured, but don’t forget u are a piece of art created by God and I’m convinced that u will do good and u are an amazing human being! God bless u
You got this!!
Love you dear, god bless you.
Good for you, some people never come to realise. Never acknowledge the issue long enough to recognise the impacts it's had on them. I hope you find some peace I'm your pain
Its a comforting feeling to hear somebody speak so much truth in just 18 minutes about a topic that is so misunderstood.
He has changed my life and my view on addiction. One and a half years sober from alcohol.
3 thinks I like how he care about his clients and my view on addiction can come in different forms. Not only drugs also like budda said find the light be kind
I viewed this presentation in awe. No one had ever verbalized my life experience in such a broad and gracious manner as Gabor Mate. I am not one to watch anything in repetition (except this video). He provides an explanation rather than an excuse. We do deserve an extra hug from each other 🙏🦋🌹
Ive never heard a more accurate explinaton of causes of addiction ....this man really understands this disease...with such compassion and foresight....his education is SPOT ON IN EVERYSENCE, and a really powerful understand of this subject!!!!!!!!😢😢😢😢😢😢❤❤❤❤❤❤
I wish more people would listen to Gabor Maté. I lost my father to addiction. He had a horrible childhood. I really don't want anyone else to suffer like that.
I am sorry about your dad. and yes I agree, Dr. Gabor he is the greatest mind in todays world. I feel. and yes my husband died from his addiction earlier this year. and I can honestly say he was the most beautiful man with a terrible disease. he was heroic to me. But the disease is deadly. and it devastates families.
KSangel180 I am sorry for your loss. hugs
KSangel180 Huggles. I am sorry for you loss. in a way it reminds me of Jung. people do not have ideas. Ideas have people. and the addiction seems like that. we don't have addictions they have us.
I was a junky living in the area he is referring to and yes my childhood was the same. He is amazing. He is local and my girlfriend knows his wife. He is now so busy it is impossible to see him. Good people like this and NA and handwork with faith saved my life. I am very sorry for your loss.... I listen to you as I imagine my own daughter saying the same thing. Thank you.
Just wanted to say to you, after reading this your comment: I love you, brother or sister from another mother. I'm sad for your father's unhappy childhood.
I was addicted to drugs and alcohol for several years... Nowadays, I consider myself a survivor. :)
I am a survivor as well. Blessed i am..
Awesome! I too am a survivor.
@How About Some Hardcore? have a look at "Nil by mouth" by Gary Oldman
I am happy for you 😊
Congrats 🤗
Gabor Mate has the most Amazing course classes that I’ve been taking for last couple months! It has changed my life and anyone looking to better their life needs to check it out! Only 12 bucks a month less than two coffees and my mind is cleared and depression has lifted thanks Dr.Mate ❤❤ love from Canada 🇨🇦
Gábor Máté nails it - wish this message will spread around the globe through those who not only receives it but put it into action in their lives and spread the light forward...
6 months sober going on 7!!! no alcohol! & i dont crave a drop. neverr been better 😊😌
His soft approach is pure and ego free . Outstanding speech and message 👏 Thank you 😊
He conveys divine truth and wisdom. All perceived addictions and/or escape behaviours whether via substances or any other compulsive activity searched for from outside of us is simply avoidance of just being our true self in the moment. Power is within us all waiting to be awakened for our personal and collective benefit ✨️
😊😊😊
You are one of the kind that can make a difference in our world 🌎
I watched this 5 years ago and it completely changed the direction of my thinking. I had so much pain and couldn’t understand why or how to deal with it until I found this. Gabor I will shake your hand In the next life. You literally saved me. It only took 40 years to learn why i took the paths I did. And now that I’m mostly healed, I will always try to help others and always recommend this video. God Bless you sir.
We need to reevaluate the entire legal system. No one should ever go to jail for addiction. Always inspiring to hear Mate.
PS... but if their addiction causes then to steal from friends and family, they should pay for their crime.
So true addiction is a health issue and should always be treated as such
@@jamesrobertjr8002 no.
@James Robert Jr...you have not concept of addiction, and obviously have not listened to some of Dr. Mate’s first points in his lecture. If you punish an addict for showing symptoms of the disease, it’s no different than shaming a diabetic for low blood sugar. Look beyond the behavior...look beyond the ugliness, and see the person who is suffering. So much are they suffering, that they will do unspeakable things to get their medicine. I think holding people responsible is important, but punishment isn’t always the best teacher. Every addict feels so lonely, whether it shows externally or not. Society disconnects them from themselves as if they are contagious and crushes the self esteem more. We need to be kinder. Self preservation is important, but altruism is divine.
PS YOU GOT THAT RIGHT!!
I still cant get over how amazingly humble Dr Gabor Maté is he is so knowledgeable and does tremendous work. Angel in the flesh 🙏🏽💞
The idea that drugs' chemical properties themselves aren't the root cause of addiction is something I've been pondering lately and it's sooo nice to finally hear a specialist go into the actual reasons that lead to addiction
From starting detox to now, (4 yrs clean), this video resonates, personally and globally. First, it helped ameliorate my self hatred, second, it started a love affair between myself and my fellow addicts . It started with compassion for myself and them because Dr. Mate words taught me to see differently. It’s amazing what a change to compassion can do for a person. One of the best ways to stay clean is to help someone else. In recovery you can find many examples of giving help and when you take the risk to do so you’re not only doing good for the world and the addict, you start to witness a glimpse of that light within yourself Dr. Mate describes. If you are an addict or someone you love is, watch this, watch any of his videos or read his books, it’s not a temporary fix!
This man is a holy genius
He is a jew, of course he's a genius.
This is an absolutely amazing talk! How simply he explains addiction, personal and collective, and all the ways it is ravaging the humanity. And then he offers a solution of finding "the lamp inside" and working in small communities. Just lovely! Thank you so much good Sir!
My oh my .. it IS amazing ...
Yes and Having, finding, building SUPPORT, thats KEY.
He is one of the few persons that explains and knows how the brain of an addict works and acts ! Amazing !
I didn't expect this to be such cohesive, thought provoking and incredible. The depth of his comprehension about the mind and the biological chemicals is unmatchable!
Very inspiring speech! The take away message is not to rely on those often with empty heart but happen to possess power, but to fill our heart with power.
Gabor Maté is a truly wise man. Thank you, Gabor.
Truly wise indeed
Preach it!
Gabor mate
Wow. What an amazing man. Such profound words simply stated.
Mate's "In the realm of hungry ghosts" is the best book i've ever read on addiction. he has such compassion and insight.
Agreed. I tell people this regularly.
I love everything about this man. I wish so much I could feel a hug from his arms.
I watched a lot of content about addiction on YT, but this is one of the best i must say. What a pleasant and coherent message.
Gabor, I try for many years to pass on your information, even in my recent detox stay. I was fkd up that they hadn't heard you yet. Ive been in rehaps from Edmonton across Canada since I was 25 years old. I'm now 57 and God knows why I'm still here, but no matter what, I will pass on your information until the day I leave this world.
This took me to CHURCH!!! What a wonderfully compassionate presentation. Gave me the goose bumps
Insightful. The idea of the addiction being not to the drugs but part of a struggle of one's self is huge.
"Which addiction is greater?" THANK YOU!!!!
I am hungarian, I came across his name 2 months ago, and watched everything on youtube. Here in Hungary many dont know anything about him, as its in english. I love this speech. So powerful. And so true, how judge-mental people are about the ones who take drugs, but everybody has their own addictions. Love that he is so humble, and such an intelligent way of approaching things.
This guy understands me, I have been trying to tell everyone why I behave the way I do and they are so dismissive. AA says I lack a spiritual sense and I am diseased and that any behaviour to defend the antithesis of their contention is just another signal of my disease. My family says I lack character and discipline. I say I lack a morphological and chemical construct in my brain that makes me different from most people. People who do not turn to substances and end up addicted like me. I say I am no different than the type 1 diabetic, whose genetical make up, makes him turn to exogenous insulin in order to function. Why is the brain treated so vastly different then any other organ.
I hear you bud..I hear you. Story of my life.. What to do? What to do... I love how you compare 'us' to type 1 diabetics, brilliant analogy. I hold on- by a thread at times, hoping, 'praying' clinging on to the 'tomorrow' will be different...ffs..its been twenty years of 'wishing' now...literally doing anything and all to be 'normal'.. I DO believe there is something differently wired in our brains...as I know I fail- NOT for lack of trying...lack of back bone, effort...by God; the shit I have put myself thru to be 'better'..jeez..could fill a book. I love this doctor- I saw him in the Addemdum films I think; he is amazing. My latest attempt- and most interesting- is attacking my food..with the sayings of Hypocrites; let food be thy medicine.... I found this PhD in addictive nutrition, combined with my own doc a PhD in heroin Addcit; I'm attempting- with some success; longest last was 19 days, then 9 days, the last month- zero processed foods...0. (no dairy,- for it is loaded with opiate/dopamine, no nuts- why nuts? they contain tryptophan; apparently triggering for opiod addicts? no sugar. wheat-- anything made in a factory basically....Leaves me with, steel cut oats; soaked half a cup- 3 eggs and two fruits for breakfast... lunch and dinner- 200gm of meat (chicken, steak- anything, just not processed- like ham or sausage) 200 gm veg/salad (not peas, corn or potato)and 100 gm of UNprocessed starch- like brown rice, quinoa, millet, sweet potato kidney bean, chikpea) Also- and snack; one egg and one fruit. Water only..... I have to say- the first few days are tough; withdrawing off sugar/caffine etc...not nice...BUT- by day 5-7 I feel freaking amazing, like I am on best drug ever- crazy happy....and my craving for illicit substance virtually vanish....why am I not on it today-?? I am an addict, and self sabotage is my MO... I- crash and relapse; when I MISS a meal...or two...so that is KEY- I have found- I CANNOT miss a meal..and watch my sleep....that always screws me..etc; AND I MUST start a regimented movement plan...I start again tmw after this last lapse- again, cause I missed meals and stayed up late-yeah- my doc; is BIG on sleep- and NO screens after 10 pm...books only.... OH and I joined a boxing club last week. My doc reckons I need to take up boxing...;-) found a great club that takes small groups of 8 and trains together...Just sharing with you; what I am trying...as I hear you...and Its so fuicked. Good luck to you...I may post this on the main comments too. Being an addict - nothing worse...sorry, for the really ill people out there- but a life with addiction, is really no life at all.
+Olivia P I feel you. 23 years addicted to opiodes. I tried to taper down from 2mgs of buprenorphine but when I jumped I was emotionally & physically drained. I'm going to try again but this time incorporating daily meditation & yoga this time. Good luck..✌❤
Ellycat would love to chat; Hmmm. I am yogaolivia@gmail.com- we seem to have almost identical stories.
@@livp1835 how goes it now? Id love to hear back, thank you, I'm Lorraine
@@livp1835 I've seen research that says the brain can rewire itself.
A person full of wisdom and compassion 🙏🏻
I love this man. He's simply amazing.
I wish this was my doctor..
Rebbekkah Holt I was so lucky. I learned so very much from Dr. Mate. He was my family doctor and he fell my baby girl. She is 25 years old.
This video had me in tears. I felt like he was speaking to me. Telling me why I am the way I am.
Feel you bro. Peace and love!
This speech was powerful, I’m left with tears in my eyes. Beautiful!
As a recovered addict this made me cry, I t spoke so much to me, You truly are a hero Gabor.
This is a poweful talk. I was addicted to exercise for many years and my body paid a high price. People accepted this addiction more because it was socially OK to exercise excessively and I was an athlete, but I did not enjoy it, and it was the endorphins I craved just like the opioid addict. I did a lot of therapy and have lost this compulsion decades ago. Dr. Mate is so very wise and compassionate, I wish every high school health student could hear this Ted Talk.
That is an interesting addiction. You can be addicted to anything.
Addiction is whatever makes you feel good, but unfortunately some destroy life, be it financial or health or whatever good talk there's addiction everywhere you look the human brain always wants to feel good
I wish you all the best.
@@peterryan438 I don't think that whatever makes you feel good is ALWAYS an addiction. There is such a thing as genuine, grounded, deeply satisfying enjoyment. It's true though that we are so often steered away from it in this culture, and have to settle for the cheap substitute.
As someone who has struggled with alcohol, drug, sex, tobacco, and food addictions, participated in 12-step recovery programs for several years, and finally had to leave them because the amount of doctrine and practices that are counterproductive in them often outweighs the good, I came to many of the conclusions in this video through my own independent spiritual development. THIS IS THE BEST EXPLANATION OF ADDICITION I HAVE SEEN TO DATE AFTER EXTENSIVE RESEARCH AND EXPERIENCE WITH THE TOPIC. ** MUST SEE!! ** Today I am a happy, healthy and fulfilled man who manages his life quite nicely using alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana (and every once in a while a harder drug) all in moderation and have done so successfully for over two years. Putting them all down is right around the corner, but only because I wish to ascend to the next rung on the spiritual ladder, and they no longer fit in my life. I had to find out if after the 5 years of sobriety and spiritual healing that I did, if I could indeed actually use responsibly like so many other people, and the answer was "Yes." That having been said, alcohol lowers your vibration, weed causes anxiety at times, tobacco and unhealthy food poisons you, and for these reasons I am leaving them behind, not because I am sick or defective. Now I will be a sober man because of personal choice and love for self rather than coercion and shame. Addiction does have a spiritual cure, but it involves a complete overhaul of so many paradigms that have been programmed into us about ourselves, life and God, and 12-step programs as well as organized religion keep you stuck in those paradigms thereby preventing a cure. This has been my experience upon which I have based my informed opinion, nothing more, nothing less, so one can take it or leave it. Peace.
+Ted Kirk Well said. Well said, indeed.
I found N/A to have too many hypocrites tbh.
Peace.....I will take it!!!
Ted Kirk who’s your sponsor ?
BRAVO - you just said everything I have been thinking myself and is a great addition to read along with this brilliant Ted Talk. Keep up the good work x
One of the wisest sages of our time! I'm so thankful that I share the same world with Doctor Mate.
Amazing talk. Each word is worth listening. It sheds new light not only on addictions but also on those who seek power.
Beautiful and powerful speech. One I could relate to as am addict myself. (I'm 5 months sober). He describes the pain addicts are in absolutely perfectly and describes just how badly they're treated by society. Going to support groups, I can say people in recovery are some of the best people you will ever meet. When you show kindness and compassion to someone they can achieve so much ❤️
Had your natural dopamine receptors came back after 5 months in ?? Please respond when you see this.
Gabor is one of the most brilliant speakers . Suffering is the price of wisdom .
Where from he is?
@@engr.hassanmajeed7278 Hungary
@@mayar76686 OK but one of my friend told me he is from Canada
@@engr.hassanmajeed7278 he isn't. Check it out on Wikipedia
@@mayar76686 OK i will , Where you from ?
That line" your not afraid to die , your afraid to live" hit my heart, the exact same words from my therapist when i had told her an experience i had just past on last week where i almost got disappeared of this life, which happened to the person i was riding whit on that day . Out of nowhere we had like 10 people around my car pointing at us and telling us that this was it, so i thought ok we're gone , but not a minute felt scared which it was weird for me. Now i get a bigger picture.
Dr. Mate', to me, teaches like Jesus. He is so wise, soft-spoken, not condescending, so insightful and intelligent, inspiring and reminding us that the light is inside us. 10 years later, this is more relevant than ever. I lost my daughter to accidental overdose 3/5/21. I wish I had found Dr. Mate' and his knowledge earlier. I feel like I have a mission to spread his word. Thank you!
AWESOME! compassion-- not punishment and rejection. Love is the answer. Love is the most powerful thing of all.
only compassionate and unconditional love can cure addiction. nothing else seems to work...
Unironically its also the rarest of all emotions.
@@chrisnoecker5287 rare and precious like diamonds, formed through heat, pressure and time.
@@writteninthesky ya but its nothing like a diamond. Ask anyone whose gone through a brutal divorce and lost children. Not even an anti-matter explosion can turn a diamond to ash so quickly.
Define love.
This has got to be the best speech on addiction on the entire fricken internet. Wow. Awesome. So glad that this kind of insight is being spread around and seen by many many people! What a great dude.
I saw this TEDTalk while I was in rehab, and it totally changed my mindset. thank you for the video and really listen to what this man has to say. 3 years strong now
This made me cry for Brothers and myself, but damd it definitely changed something inside me. Now I understand how addiction is formed and how we can help those around us.
Wow... this is the best talk I’ve ever encountered. I am speechless. I’m sure you’ll never see this, but thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
13:35 This is why I trust Mate. I'm crying and watching this. Thank you for talking about this issue in Indigenous communities. Really feeling the fear for my friend's life right now. Working on my own sh*t so I can be a support and resource without enabling addiction.
I know it's been 6 months but I hope your friend is doing ok, I also hope you're doing ok as well !
Indigenous communities are hit so hard by colonialism and capitalism and all of the structures causing current and intergenerational trauma. Canada does not want to admit it but we're still to this day committing genocide against indigenous peoples. Cultural, environmental, and literal due to the MMIW absolute Crisis that has been around for far too long and persists today. I stand beside you and your friend in solidarity if you will have me as a white woman. Land Back. And that barely even begins to rebuild all of the damage and atrocities.
So happy i clicked on it, have a quite manga/romance manga addiction bc i need escapism when life gives me a little stress. I like how the doctor acknowledge and analyze his work addiction-why he have it, how he want the feeling of being needed-and how it harms his children.
At first, when he said he was addicted to classical music I laughed. Then I realized he was serious and I know the feeling of getting addicted to things people don't think of as addictive. But it can feel urgent in the same way. That makes sense now.
I have a very strong suspicion that a lot of people are addicted to youtube as a painkiller because I am one of them.
Urza26 me too....
You had the "Eureka" moment and as an addict I'm happy for you that you get it. Power and money are more important to most of the world than hunger, physical health, mental health, Dental care, children, law enforcement, education, prison system, doctors, pharmaceutical companies and the list is endless. How many times have you ever blamed your tires for the reason the car didn't start?
Urza26 Wow!! This is so true.....
So true
One of the best ted talks I've ever heard. His speech ignited my mind in so many different ways.
His work answered so many questions for me.
You are a great man. Thank you. The kind of person that makes me love human kind
I am shocked how good his talk was..he understands addiction.I've been to many doctors in the past 40 years who never understood this..btw I've been in recovery since 11-30-18.. ❤&☮ 🖤🎼🐾💋
I’m really glad that you have also had the same idea.. I was trying to let people know about this. Because there’s some people who assume that I can easily give up... but it’s extremely difficult... I have no motivation and I am extremely depressed and lonely...
Yeah, this guy says it better than anybody ever has. I truly resonated with every word. It is unfortunate that the people who most need to hear it won't ever listen, because they don't think they have an addiction. Whilst they drink their wine, have a piece of chocolate cake, buy something else off eBay and in the same breath criticize someone else's bad choices. Hopefully his words can spread through osmosis. Thank you Gabor.
We need more Gabor Maté on Mother Earth! Compassionate unconditional love humility knowledge wisdom clarity down to earth = Dr Gabor. Thank you for your love and light. Doctors healers and all kinds of practitioners should watch this! ❤️🙏❤️
I really love the name you’ve chosen
This was one of the best messages I have ever heard, Gabor. Thank you so much ❤️
64 dislikes to this AMAZING talk. C'mon ... seriously!? Clearly their internal lamps are malfunctioning. A brilliant, thought provoking and inspirational talk ✌
👏👏👏👏
+Elizabeth S Now it is 76 dislikes and slowly grows, but the likes also grow. Thats why it is better to express it in percentage This 76 is just slightly more than 1%, it is about 1.25% of the number of the likes. It is a very low rate. Nearly 99% of the raters give a thumbs up.
YAY! There is hope for this world :)
192 now............they have no soul and there are more than i realized........now thats scarey
The internal lamp never malfunctions, it is the one that is not listening to it
Easily the greatest ted talk I've ever heard . So much meaning and inspiration yet as well with a lot of sadness .... But it's reality . We need to hear words with weight , meaning , impact , strength and wisdom . Good man . Thank you
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I'm watching this for i d 1st time and have sent it to my close family and friends as I'm in addition to the myself in just off a 9 wk relapse and was recommended this Dr, I also purchased his book in d realm of hungry ghosts, it makes so much sence to me as hard as it is to hear.. I'm 1 wk clean and trying so hard to get this right... Understanding and education on addiction is absolutely key and most people just look down and judge you they need to be educated on this issue and hopefully they will might look at us a bit differently... Thanks for this.. The fight goes on.. 🙏🙏
Thank you . finally someone standing up and explains that behind every behavior, there is an hurt child.
In this quarantine I have literally binge watched ted talks, tedx and this man got the best ovation ever
Life altering/changing speech in under 20 minutes. Absolutely amazing.
Amazing message. I will listen more to what Dr. Gabor Maté has to say about human nature. If people in power were like him the world would be in a better shape.
You carry all the power you need if you choose to find it within.
It doesn’t matter what talk, interview, or book I hear or read his message is powerful and inspirational
Dr. Mate is a great man.